RIM appoints new COO & CMO

Research In Motion (RIM) expands its executive leadership team. RIM has appointed wireless industry veterans - Kristian Tear as chief operating officer and Frank Boulben as chief marketing officer. RIM is currently preparing for the launch of its new BlackBerry 10 platform.

Both of them will continue to focus on expanding its global customer base along with the executive team. Tear would be responsible for overseeing all operational functions for handhelds and services, including research and development, products, global sales, manufacturing and supply chain. Boulben will oversee global marketing efforts at RIM, in his new role.

Kristian Tear has over 25 years of experience. He joins RIM from Sony Mobile Communications. He was also Chairman of the Product Business Council, Chairman of the Accessories Business Unit, Board member of Sony Mobile Japan and China. He held leadership roles with Ericsson in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Boulben is the former executive vice president of Strategy, Marketing and Sales for LightSquared. His prior stints include working as global director of Commercial Strategy for Vodafone Group and executive vice president of Brand and Consumer Marketing for Orange Group. He also worked with Vivendi Universal and served on the Board of the GSM Association.